Frequency of TMJD among medical students vis-a vis non-medical students

The temporomandibular joint [TMJ] is the synovial joint that connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction TMJD is the commonest disorder seen with this joint which appears with common signs and symptoms like clicking sounds, limited mouth opening, jaw pain, headaches, earaches, toothaches and other types of facial pain. TMJ disorder is seen to be an increasing problem especially among the students with higher burden of studies and excessive stress during exams

Methods: This study was conducted to determine the frequency of TMJ dysfunction in medical students in comparison to non-medical students and its association with different variables. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered on 80 medical students and 80 non-medical students irrespective of gender, age ranging from 17-25

Results: The data collected was then entered into the SPSS-16 and tabulated into percentages and bar charts. It is seen that the TMJD is seen to be more common among Medical Students [p= 0.001] and has a significant correlation with study hours and stress [p = 0.032 and 0.00] respectively

Conclusion: Frequency of TMJD is more among medical students than non-medical students in regard of tough studies, excessive stress during exams and study hours

Risk factors of oral cancer in Lahore, Pakistan: a case control design

Increase in incidence of oral cancers associated with tobacco and smokeless tobacco products in South Asian countries, especially in Pakistan, is creating an alarming situation

Objectives: Study investigated the association of tobacco, smokeless tobacco and alcohol with oral cancer

Methods: A case control design was used. 118 cases of oral cancer were selected from hospital, matched with 354 controls during April to June 2015. Case to control ratio was 1:3

Results: Mean age of cases was 48.9I +/- 13.24 years, 77.1% being males and 22.9% females. Most of the participants belonged to low socioeconomic status. The association of pan with oral cancer was very significant [p<0.05, OR= 9.755, 95% CI 5.7-16.5]. However, 62/118 cases were non-chewers and developed oral cancer. Pan chewing showed the strongest risk for oral cancer. We also found an increased risk for oral cancer in the consumption of Niswar [p<0.05, OR- 3.941, 95% CI 1.6-9.8], gutka [p<0.05, OR- 4.133, 95% CI 3.5-4.9], supari/chalia [p<0.05, OR-3.291, 95% CI 1.6-6.7] and alcohol [p<0.05, OR-4.789, 95%C1: 1.7-13.6]. Cigarette Smoking habit was present in both case and controls [p>0.05, OR- 1.291, 95% CI 0.8-1.9] indicating the cultural habit prevalent in Pakistan

Conclusion: Our study thus proved strong association between these predisposing factors and the development of oral cancer and the strength of association found to be stronger than in other studies

Identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional drinking yoghurt in tribes of Fars province

Morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics were employed to identify lactic acid bacteria [LAB], isolated from drinking yoghurt in different areas in Fars province, Iran. From 18 drinking yoghurt samples a total of 673 LAB positives were determined, in which 117 [17.38%] and 556 [82.62%] were identified as lactic acid cocci and lactic acid bacilli, respectively. Additionally, our biochemical tests showed the occurence of 52 [44.44%] Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and 65 [55.56%] Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris among lactic acid cocci, and in the case of lactic acid bacilli, Lactobacillus helveticus 85 [15.3%]; Lactobacillus plantarum 124 [22.3%]; Lactobacillus brevis 117 [21%]; Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei 86 [15.5%] and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 144 [25.9%]. Among lactic acid cocci and bacilli, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremorisand Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were found to be the more dominant species, respectively. The current study constitutes the first step in the designing process of LAB starter cultures, in order to protect the typical organoleptic characteristics of traditional drinking yoghurt. However, in the future we can consider genetical characterization and selection of the most desirable strains which can assess their potential as starter cultures for commercial use

Routine blood transfusion should not be [routine] in cardiac surgery

To determine if open-heart surgery can be performed in a public hospital in Pakistan without the use of routine blood transfusions. Considering the high prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in the donor population, decreased use of donated blood is the best protection against these and other transfusion transmitted infections. Cross sectional observational study. This study was conducted at cardiac surgery department, Mayo Hospital Lahore. It included patients operated from January 2006 to September 2006. Duration of study was 9 months. Total of 106 patients undergoing open-heart surgery were included in the study. These were all adult patients operated during the first nine months of 2006 by a single group of surgeons. Patients who were re explored for bleeding or had complicated postoperative course or who did not survive the operation were excluded. All the pump blood after cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass was transfused to the patient. Intra and post-operative allogeneic blood transfusions were given based upon strict transfusion criterion. Any patient who received 1 unit of blood[1] or 2 units of blood with post operative haemoglobin of 11 gram per 100 ml or more than 11 gram per 100 ml or more than 2 units of blood with post operative haemoglobin of 12 gram per 100 ml or more than 12 gram per 100 ml was considered to have received unnecessary transfusion[2]. 67 patients [63.21%] did not receive any blood transfusion. 32 patients, [30.19%] were transfused 2 units of blood. 7 [6.60%] patients received more than two units of blood. 8 [7.55%] patients received unnecessary transfusion. Blood transfusions can be eliminated in most routine cardiac operations. As appropriate drugs and technology like cell savers and in pump haemo-cocentration devices become available to us, the number of patients receiving blood transfusions can most likely be decreased further

Predicting serum gastrin levels among men during Ramadan fasting

Increased gastric acidity is common when fasting during Ramadan. Our study aimed to develop a regression equation to predict fasting serum gastrin levels using parameters commonly analysed in clinical laboratories. Fasting blood samples from six men were taken on days 1, 10, 19, 26 and 28 of Ramadan. Serum gastrin, total cholesterol, urea and uric acid were analysed. All 5 samples from each man were included in multiple regression analysis and the prediction equation obtained was: serum gastrin, pg/mL = 198.27-0.199 total cholesterol [mg/dL] + 2.525 urea [mg/dL]--103.238 uric acid [mg/dL] + 10.923 uric acid [mg/dL]2 + 3.683 body mass index, r2 = 0.75, P < 0.001. This equation might be used to estimate gastrin levels and plan dietary and medicinal measures to avoid high gastric acidity during Ramadan

Serum folate levels in end stage renal disease patients

This study was aimed to measure serum folate levels in patients of end stage renal disease [ESRD] on regular haemodialysis and compared with normal healthy individuals. It is a comparative study. Department of Pathology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. One hundred subjects were selected and divided into two groups. Group A include fifty patients of end stage renal disease on regular haemodialysis and group B include fifty normal healthy individuals as control. Two ml of blood was drawn by venepuncture, one ml for complete blood examination and one ml for serum folate level. A significant decrease in folate level was observed in end stage renal disease patients on regular haemodialysis as compared to control group. By measuring serum folate level in patients on regular haemodialysis we can manage anaemia due to folate deficiency

Peripheral lymphadenopathy in children, comparison of fine needle aspiration cytology with open biopsy

To compare the results of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology [FNAC] with open biopsy in cases of Peripheral Lymphadenopathy. A comparative study. Department of Paediatric Surgery and Department of Pathology, Nishtar Medical College and Hospital, Multan from January 2004 to September 2004. Patients presenting with Peripheral Lymphadenopathy in Paediatric Surgery out patient department were included in study. Relevant history and clinical findings were entered in performa and patients were submitted to investigations like FNAC and open lymphnode biopsy, after getting consent, on OPD basis. Results of both FNAC and histopathology in 54 patients were available for comparison at the end of study. FNAC showed tuberculosis in 36 [66.67%], lymphoproliferative process in 16 [29.63%] and poor yield in 2 [3.71%] cases. Whereas open lymphnode biopsy on histopathology confirmed tuberculosis in 42 [77.78%], Hodgkins lymphoma in 4.[7.42%], Non Hodgkins in 6 [11.13%] and reactive hyperplasia in 2 [3.71%] cases. Sensitivity of FNAC in tuberculosis was 85.7% with a specificity of 100% in cases of tuberculosis while it was 71.5% in cases of lymphomatous process with an overall sensitivity of 78.5% in peripheral lymphadenopathy. In our setup lymphnode biopsy should be performed in all suspected cases to avoid long term morbidity and mortality especially in clinically malignant illnesses

Chromosomal abnormalities as a cause of recurrent abortions: a hospital experience

To analyze the chromosomal abnormalities in couples with history of recurrent abortions. Retrospective study. Cytogenetic section, Department of Pathology at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Three hundred couples with history of recurrent abortions. Structural chromosomal abnormalities in carrier couples. G-banded chromosomes were analyzed from both partners of 300 couples who had had two or more spontaneous abortions. Sixteen [5.3%] couples showed a chromosomal aberration in one of the partners. Seven translocations, 5 inversions, 2 deletions and 2 sex chromosomal abnormalities were identified. There was an increase in structural aberations, which was not significantly different from that reported worldwide. Chromosomal analysis is advocated as a primary tool in the evaluation of couples with repetitive fetal wastage

Arthroscopic menisectomy of the knee: our experience of 426 cases

A review of 426 cases who underwent arthroscopic meniscotomy during the period May 1993 to October 1996 is presented. The diagnosis is made on history and clinical examination with the Appley Grinding test being the most reliable clinical test. Diagnosis of an acute rupture tear of a knee meniscus turned out to be correct in 88.2% of cases on arthroscopy. The average time interval from injury to arthroscopy was 10 days. All cases were admitted as day cases and we had no infection or synovial fistulae or left over pieces of the menisci. Ninety-six percent of tear were involving medial meniscus and the rest involved lateral meniscus. Male to female ratio was 4:1. All the patients have returned to previous activity level

[ comparative study on bacterial flora isolated from yolk sac infection in chicks and their antibacterial sensitivity testing in poultry farms around shiraz city]

Five hundred ninety three chicks of one to seven days old of poultry farms around the Shiraz city which was referred to department of avian medicine school of veterinary science and Shiraz veterinary investigation center were studied for yolk sac infection. Routin bacteriological examination was carried out on yolk sac of infected chicks. Five hundred of samples showed bacterial contamination and 552 isolates including 219 [39.67 percent] E.coli, 148 [26.81 percent] Salmonellae, 142 [25.72 percent] Proteus, 23 [25.72 percent] Klebsiella, 9 [1.6 percent] Staphylococcus aureus, 6 [1.08 percent] Streptococcus and 5 [0.90 percent] Bacillus cereus were identified. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was carried out on the all isolates. Three hundred twenty four [58.69 percent] of the isolates were resistant against one or more antibiotics. Between 50-71.6 percent of the isolates were resistant to tetracyclin. This is mostly due to frequent usage of this antibiotic for treatment, growth promotion and chemoprophylaxis in poultry

[Antibiotic resistance patterns, transmission of r-factor and determination of beta-lactamase production in ampicillin resistant strains of enterobacteriaceae isolated from sheep]and goats

In this study, 738 isolates including 500 coli [67.75 percent], 170 Proteus [23.04 percent], 47 Klebsiella [6.36 percent] and 21 Salmonella [2.85 percent] were identified in the faeces of 500 sheep and goats. 200 strains of these organismes were resistant against one or more antibiotics. The most resistance was against Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol and Furazolidon. Minimum resistance was against Tetracyclin. 114 Strains [72 percent] of resistant strains were capable of transferring either a part or the entire resistance pattern to sensitive recipient strain [E.coli K12]. Multiple - drug - resistant strains were more efficient in transferring their resistance patterns than were sigle - drug -resistnat strains. The capillary and the acidimetric methods were used to examine the Ampicillin resistant strains for Beta-lactamase production. The capillary method was able to detect Beta-lactamase production in 92.86% of the isolates while the acidimetric method showed 66.07% positive reaction

Prognostic indicators in hepatic encephalopathy

Twenty four parameters, easily available to practicing physicians, were chosen and assessed for their value as prognostic indicators in the progression of hepatic encephalopathy to hepatic coma. Eight of these related to history taking, 8 to physical examination and 8 to laboratory investigations. Ten of our parameters were related with the development of hepatic coma in over 75% of cases. Two of those were related to history. A history of haematemesis was obtained in 76% and confusion in 79% of cases, who deteriorated to coma. Six examination criteria: systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg, fever > 100 F [37.8 C] fixed and dilated pupils, splenomegaly, asterexis and a positive grasp refle were of similar predictive value. Where blood urea was raised to twice normal or serum transaminases to five times its normal value, 80% of patients developed hepatic coma. The presence of any six or more of these parameters in a patient predicted deterioration to coma in all cases. Their wide use in practice is recommended

Preliminary observations using elisa method for detection of entanhoeba histolytica antibodies in saliva

Micro - ELISA using saliva samples gave higher optical Density [O.D.] values of 0.108 [0.075 to 0.125] and 0.132 [0.065 to 0.115] amongst amoebic Liver abscess and intestinal ameobiasis cases respectively than normal controls of 0.061 [0.045 to 0.085] for specific immunglobulin A [SigA]

Simple and rapid-micro-indirect hemagglutination test for hydatid disease

A rapid micro-indirect haemagglutination technique using glutaraldehyde fixed-antigen coated lyophilized sheep red blood cells [GFACL-SRBCs] has been described. The test is rapid, stable, economical and shows similar results to those of freshly prepared SRBCs

Endoscopic therapy of colonic volvolus

Endoscopic therapy for colonic volvulus is an important and valuable advancement in the management of this disorder. It can be easily performed successfully in the majority of cases. In sigmoid volvulus, it stabilizes a patients for elective surgery with a significant reduction in the mortality. Early diagnosis and management are mandatory. In cases of cecal volvulus there has not been enough experience to make definite recommendations but endoscopic decompression and correction of the twist are worthwhile procedures in an effort to stabilize a patients for elective surgery later